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Avenue
The magazine for alumni and friends of the University of Glasgow
Issue 62 Summer 2017
TRAILBLAZING
GROUNDBREAKING
WORLDCHANGING
glasgow.ac.uk/avenue
ii 1
OUR
In this issue
CHANGING
STEVENSON BUILDING
SOCIAL JUSTICE HUB
LIBRARY
CAMPUS
READING ROOM
OUR CHANGING CAMPUS 2 One of the most significant
We reveal our plans to create a
world-class campus
educational infrastructure
AS COLD AS ICE 4 projects in Scotland’s history
Unlocking the secrets of the brain
has been given the green
A GREENER PATH TO EQUALITY
Does access to green space make us
6
light by Glasgow City Council.
healthier? Our plans to develop the
LEADING LADIES
We celebrate the achievements of
8 Gilmorehill campus and the
20 inspiring women adjacent former Western
ALUMNI NEWS & EVENTS 12 Infirmary site will lead to
Reunions, clubs and personal news
the creation of world-class
GENERAL COUNCIL
A report to the General Council
18 teaching, learning and JOSEPH BLACK BUILDING
research facilities for students
OBITUARIES 22
Notification of deaths of members of and staff. It will also have a ENGINEERING BUILDING
the General Council
major impact on the West End UNIVERSITY SQUARE
WHAT'S ON AT THE UNIVERSITY
Collections, exhibitions and events
24 of the city, bringing significant COLLEGE OF ARTS
community, economic,
environmental and cultural
HALF-YEARLY MEETING OF THE
GENERAL COUNCIL
benefits including the creation
Alumni are invited to the next meeting on
Monday 12 June 2017 at 6.30pm in the
of around 2,500 jobs.
Wolfson Medical School Building. For a report
from the last meeting, turn to page 18. Read more on page 2
Editorial Board: Cathy Bell, Ailie Ferrari, Emily Howie,
Gerry Law, John Marsh, Rachel Sandison, Carina Scott
Editor: Susan Howie
Features and online editor: Lynne Maclagan
Alumni section editor: Jennifer Baird
Art director & designer: Darren Jewell-Irons
Produced and designed by the Marketing, Recruitment
& International Office.
Photography by the University Photographic Unit. BOYD ORR BUILDING
Additional photography supplied by HLM, Paul
Hampton, Sean Gallacher, Shutterstock, Siemens
AG, Munich/Berlin (www.siemens.com/press), The
LEARNING & TEACHING HUB
Hunterian.
Printed by J Thomson.
WOLFSON MEDICAL SCHOOL BUILDING
ISSN 0950-7167
Views expressed are not necessarily those of the University or the UNIVERSITY LANDMARKS
editors. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reproduced without written
INSTITUTE OF HEALTH & WELLBEING RESEARCH HUB INNOVATION QUARTER
permission from the Editor.
PHASE 1A: 2017–2021
© University of Glasgow May 2017
CHRONIC DISEASES BUILDING ADAM SMITH BUSINESS SCHOOL INNOVATION SQUARE
The University of Glasgow charity number SC004401 PHASE 1B: 2022–2026
2 3
ONCE IN A LIFETIME
PHASE 1A
2017
AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS DOES
NOT COME ALONG OFTEN. The major
redevelopment of our Gilmorehill campus
The LEARNING & TEACHING HUB, will be the most dramatic evolution of the
next to the Boyd Orr, will be the first new University since our relocation to the West
building on the campus and should be End in 1870.
completed in 2019.
“We’re delighted that Glasgow City Council
has endorsed our ambitious plans,” says
A RESEARCH HUB will allow the Principal Professor Anton Muscatelli. “It will
expansion of research activity from all open up the Western site, indeed the whole
four colleges and offer space for early- of Gilmorehill, and will draw people into new
stage spin-out companies. civic spaces. For our students and staff it will
provide absolutely world-class facilities.”
A new INSTITUTE OF HEALTH & Around £450m will be spent over the next
WELLBEING will be built on the north five years as part of a wider £1bn investment,
of the former Western Infirmary site. including significant spend on refurbishing
and improving the existing estate.
A new building for the ADAM SMITH “In times of uncertainty we have to invest, but
BUSINESS SCHOOL will be in a prudent way,” says Professor Muscatelli.
constructed on the north-west corner of “That is why this is a phased approach. We
the site. exist in a very competitive higher educational
world. Not just in the UK, but all the way from
the US to Australia and China.
An ARTS & HUMANITIES
BUILDING, constructed on the south “Our forebears took very brave decisions, An artist’s impression of the interior of the
of the site, will provide a base for the in terms of investing, when they built this Learning & Teaching Hub, which will be the
College of Arts. campus in the 1870s – and it paid off. We first of our buildings to have an escalator,
aiding the speedy and easy movement of
have to be the best. At Glasgow we need to high volumes of people.
offer the best student experience and the best
The JOSEPH BLACK BUILDING, research environment. We can do that if we
500-SEAT 1,000
which houses the School of Chemistry, invest in the future.”
INVESTING IN
will be externally refurbished and two
new research labs created. This first phase of the development will see LECTURE THEATRE LEARNING SPACES
the construction of new buildings, together
3,000
2021 4 FLAT-FLOOR
OUR STUDENTS
with clearance of the former Western Infirmary
site and new landscaping of the public realm.
Preparations for the new Learning & Teaching LECTURE THEATRES STUDENTS BY DOUGLAS BLANE
Hub are already underway.
PHASE 1B
2022 Opening in two years’ time, the Learning
& Teaching Hub will be one of the earliest
Designed to benefit many generations of
students in the years ahead, the Hub will be
visible components of the campus a new student-focused heart to the campus.
New TEACHING & RESEARCH
development. Guided by input from today’s When it opens in 2019, Blake and many of
SPACE for engineering will be built.
students, the Hub carries high hopes and his consultation colleagues will have the
expectations. chance to experience facilities and resources
that have, so far, simply been topics for
A SOCIAL JUSTICE HUB focusing
“We talked about whether students prefer discussion.
on the elimination of global inequalities
collaborative spaces or somewhere to
will be located in the Gilbert Scott
concentrate alone,” says Economics student “I am looking forward to it,” he says. “The
Building.
Blake Gray, who was one of the students meetings have been an intense, satisfying
consulted on the new building. “What we experience. I hope they continue.”
communicated is that we need a mix, because
An INNOVATION QUARTER on
people learn in different ways at different On the move
Church Street to improve engagement
times. It looks as if that is what we’re going to The car park beside the Boyd Orr and
with local industry will be developed.
get – a nice mix of social and individual study the Mathematics & Statistics Building are
spaces.” providing the space needed for the new
Learning & Teaching Hub. Staff and students
A building for research into CHRONIC
Beyond learning and teaching, the flexibility in Mathematics & Statistics moved to a new
DISEASES will be constructed.
of the Hub spaces makes them valuable home in a long-term, temporary building on
in varied ways. They will be used for open the former Western Infirmary site in April.
2026 days, conferences, and clubs and societies
– as well as for outreach and widening Transformative spaces are sparking
ROUND-THE-CLOCK An artist’s impression of the exterior of the
participation, in which schoolchildren, often
from disadvantaged backgrounds, gain a first
off new ideas in the new Mathematics
& Statistics Building, read more at
glasgow.ac.uk/supportus ACCESS Learning & Teaching Hub. taste of university life and studies. glasgow.ac.uk/avenue.
4 5
academics together with industry to
collaborate and to create something that not
AS COLD AS
ICE
only positively benefits patients but also brings
a meaningful economic benefit as well.”
It is not the first time, of course, that the
University has been at the cutting edge of
imaging technology and practice. Graduate
Dr John Macintyre opened the world’s first
hospital X-ray department in Glasgow in 1896,
and presented his first X-ray cinematograph
film a year later. The development of
diagnostic ultrasound is also a Glasgow
first. Ian Donald, the Regius Professor of
A small part of Glasgow has become Midwifery at the University between 1954
and 1976, showed not only how ultrasound
one of the coldest places on Earth –
THE NEW ULTRA-
could be used in obstetrics to see the foetus
in the womb, but also how it could be used
chillier even than Gilmorehill on a
HIGH-RESOLUTION
for the investigation of abdominal masses.
This discovery revolutionised obstetrics and
winter’s night.
SCANNER WILL
medicine.
BY DOUGLAS BLANE
SHOW US PARTS OF
There is an obvious theme in the
groundbreaking work of the University, in both
THE BRAIN WE’VE
medicine and science, going right back to the
Scottish Enlightenment. Breakthroughs have
NEVER BEEN ABLE
T
usually come from a combination of creativity,
he location is inside one of the world’s More important than any of these simple facts dementia, brain tumours, Parkinson’s, scientific insights, practical skills and a deep
TO SEE BEFORE.
most powerful MRI machines, which is the complex array of expected benefits to Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.” desire to improve the lives of ordinary people.
has recently been installed in the research, teaching and eventually treatment. Ian Donald expressed as well as anyone the
University’s new Imaging Centre of The secret is the superconducting magnets, The scanner’s arrival marks a significant combination of motivation and methods that
Excellence (ICE). which are more than twice as powerful as milestone in Glasgow’s position as a driving worked for him and a host of other Glasgow
those in current clinical scanners, says force for precision medicine. researchers over the years.
Based at the Queen Elizabeth University Professor of Clinical Imaging Keith Muir, who
Hospital, the centre offers greatly enhanced is undertaking the world’s first clinical trial of “ICE will be a world-leading example of a “As soon as we got rid of the backroom
medical imaging technology, most notably in neural stem cell therapy for disabled stroke precision medicine centre, bringing the key attitude and brought our apparatus fully
the areas of brain imaging, and the jewel in patients and is devising advanced imaging partners of the University of Glasgow, the into the department with an inexhaustible
its crown is Scotland’s first 7-Tesla magnetic methodologies to improve prognosis in NHS and industry together to further clinical supply of living patients with fascinating
resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. early stroke. research and ultimately bring economic and clinical problems, we were able to get ahead
patient benefits not only for Glasgow, but to really fast. Any new technique becomes
The scanner’s magnets are just a few degrees “The magnets allow higher resolution scans, the whole of Scotland,” says Professor Dame more attractive if its clinical usefulness can
warmer than deep space. The wires wrapped potentially letting us see structures down to Anna Dominiczak, Vice-Principal and Head be demonstrated without harm, indignity or
around them could stretch from Glasgow to 1 millimetre in size or even smaller. That has of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life discomfort to the patient.”
Manchester. It weighs 17.5 tonnes, it cost great potential for aiding our understanding Sciences.
£10 million and it is the first ultra high-field MRI of diseases where small-scale structures are It is surprisingly relevant, almost 50 years later,
scanner in a clinical setting in the UK. involved, such as those parts of the brain “The centre isn’t about ivory tower research, to the new Imaging Centre of Excellence and
involved in some types of stroke, vascular it is about bringing world-leading clinical its ultra-powerful MRI scanner.
Features at ICE
• Dedicated imaging floor, • A 22,000 sq-foot Clinical • A multidisciplinary • Ideal location physically
home to Scotland’s first Innovation Zone for research space for linked to the Stratified
7-Tesla MRI scanner, the industry partners and clinical academics, medical Medicine Scotland
first of its kind in a clinical collaborators, including physicists, engineers and Innovation Centre, the
setting in the UK. Siemens. neuroscientists. UK Catapult for Precision
Medicine.
10
6 11
7
THE RESEARCHER
ABOUT
Can changes in our physical and social
environments reduce the health gap between
rich and poor?
IT’S AN UNFORTUNATE REALITY THAT, Professor Mitchell’s research and expertise
IN GENERAL, the rich tend to be healthier helped inform a Scottish government
and the poor sicker. The gap between the scheme called Good Places, Better Health. A
two is intractable and widening. As an groundbreaking initiative, it focuses on health
epidemiologist and geographer, Professor challenges in children and the role played by
Rich Mitchell is interested in the way their formative environment.
physical and social environments are linked
to the health of communities. He claims “Good Places, Better Health was RICHARD MITCHELL
that if specific changes are made to our revolutionary,” he says. “It was one of the is Professor of Health
& Environment and co-
environment, noticeable improvements in first government policies to see environment director of CRESH, the
health and wellbeing result. Not only that, as a means to improving health, rather Centre for Research
but these improvements are even more than something to worry about. One of the on Environment,
Society & Health.
striking within deprived populations and things I feel really pleased about was that An initiative shared
could therefore help narrow the stubborn gap we were able to help articulate how we jointly between the
between rich and poor. should conceptualise places, as politicians Universities of Glasgow
and Edinburgh, it
or policymakers.” The venture resulted in aims to contribute to
A key factor Professor Mitchell’s research production of the Place Standard for Scotland, a healthier population
has identified is that all else being equal, a tool which lets you assess various health- and environment.
“people who have more green space in their related attributes of your own neighbourhood. glasgow.ac.uk/
neighbourhood tend to be healthier – even if people/richard
they don’t actually make use of that space.” Professor Mitchell’s research has also been mitchell
influential in UK government policy, and
“Environments can change,” he explains, internationally. It was included in the Marmot
“and it may be easier to do this than to try Review of health inequalities and various other
and change people’s social and economic reviews for the Department for Environment,
circumstances.” Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and has been
referenced by the World Health Organization.
Could we actively design changes in our He was also the only UK scientist invited to
physical environment to make us healthier? If, a small US Environmental Protection Agency
politically, wealth equality may not currently be workshop on nature, health and environmental
possible, changing our environments is – and protection, which resulted in published
we know it can have a real impact on health guidance for the USA. Mental health
and wellbeing. While many governments boost for scouts
have, over time, tried but failed to implement Digging deeper and guides
policies to reduce health inequalities, many Professor Mitchell currently leads a world- Professor Mitchell’s
are now paying attention to the connection famous programme which investigates CRESH team were
between physical environments and health. health inequalities within neighbourhoods recently involved
And Professor Mitchell’s research is looking and communities, and considers how in well-publicised
A GREENER
at precisely what we can do to narrow the changing people’s environments can alter research looking
persistent health gap. these outcomes. He is also spending time at the mental
investigating how people move around towns health of those
With enlightened city planning, an and cities, and the questions surrounding who had been
environment can be transformed. Forests, this. What are the mechanisms by which in the Guides or
urban parks and woodlands may be created the kind of place that you live, work or move Scouts as children.
– and these changes can have a positive around in affects your health? Which ones They found that
PATH TO
impact on large numbers of people at a time. should we intervene in to get the maximum membership
health benefits? “We should think about conveys a marked
But as well as green space, access to great neighbourhoods as fields in which we’re protective effect
public transport systems and the potential growing lives,” he says. “If you have a great later in life. Those
for social connection are also aspects of environment and you nurture, then you get who had been in
the environment which can be improved to strong crops.” either organisation
benefit, in particular, those in less advantaged had an 18% lower
EQUALITY
communities. This is something that Professor In tandem, he is working on a Scottish chance of having
Mitchell has termed equigenesis – the creation government scheme called the Natural Health a mood disorder
of equality. Service, which aims to bring together the at age 50 than
environmental and health sectors. Professor those who had
Gathering attention Mitchell and his team will help to navigate the not, and this link
The connection between natural environments evidence behind this relationship between seemed particularly
and our health is a hot topic. It has grabbed health and nature. “The long-term aim,” he strong for children
the attention of many policymakers and says, “is to help design better interventions, who grew up in
practitioners, creating opportunity for whether through planning, or some other kind less advantaged
BY JENNIFER BAIRD researchers to have direct impact. of environmental change, to ultimately be able households.
to create places which help us stay healthy
and well.”
8 9
LAWMAKERS
DAME (ANNE) LOUISE McILROY
(1874–1968)
Hearing from the UK government that “the
battlefield is no place for women” was not
something that would turn young doctor
Louise McIlroy against her sense of duty. MADGE ANDERSON
When the First World War broke out, Louise (1896–1982)
and some fellow female doctors established Very little is known about Madge Anderson. But the few facts that we have tell the story of
the Scottish Women’s Hospital of Foreign an ambitious character who was prepared to smash through the glass ceiling to become
Service, and served in France, Serbia and our first female law graduate and the first female to be admitted to the legal profession in
CELEBRATING THE
Salonika. Louise showed her commitment the UK. It was 1920 and the professional landscape was changing for women after the
to the medical profession from an early age, Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 was passed, allowing women to enter the legal
studying medicine as an undergraduate, then profession. Madge did exactly that, qualifying in both Scottish and English jurisdictions.
IMPACT
becoming our first female research student, Glasgow degrees: MA 1916, BL 1919, LLB 1920
gaining an MD in 1900. She became an
20
expert in the field of gynaecology, publishing a HAZEL JOSEPHINE COSGROVE, LADY COSGROVE
groundbreaking book on pregnancy in 1936. Walking into the Court of Session, Scotland’s supreme civil court, as a new permanent judge
Glasgow degrees: MBChB 1898, MD 1900, would be a significant moment for anyone. For Hazel Cosgrove it was poignant in both her
LLD 1935 personal history and in legal history. In 1996, she walked through those doors as the first
woman to be appointed to a permanent seat as a judge in the Court of Session since it
PROFESSOR DOROTHY GEDDES was created in 1532. No stranger to firsts, however, she was also appointed the first female
(1936–1998) Sheriff of Glasgow and Strathkelvin back in 1979.
Both artistic and scientific, Dorothy Geddes Glasgow degrees: LLB 1966, LLD 2002
OF chose a career in dentistry so that she could
combine her passions. Described as a force
for good in her profession, Dorothy made
great impact in both research and teaching.
RT HON NICOLA STURGEON MSP
Law graduate Nicola Sturgeon made history when she secured the top job in Scottish
politics – becoming the first female First Minister of Scotland in 2014. Irrespective of your
Working in Scotland, England and the United political allegiance, Nicola is an inspiring figure for ambitious women, and she says she
States, she gained a breadth of experience. feels “very acutely” the responsibility and privilege of her dual role as political leader and
She brought that valuable perspective with her role model for women. Gender equality, and equality generally, are issues close to her heart.
when she came to Glasgow as Professor of “Your ability to succeed in life should come down to your ability, not your gender or your race
MARION GILCHRIST Oral Biology, the first female to hold a chair in or your family background.”
(1864–1952) dentistry in any UK university. Glasgow degrees: LLB 1992, Diploma 1993
Today, nearly 60% of students studying
trailBLAZERS
at Glasgow are women. Yet women have
only been permitted to study at Scottish
universities since 1892 and Glasgow was the
scene of many significant achievements in
the campaign for women’s access to higher
education. In 1894 Marion Gilchrist was the
first woman to graduate from the University,
and the first woman in Scotland to graduate
with a medical degree. Medicine was
considered a very unfeminine subject but she
ploughed ahead regardless. She worked as a PROFESSOR RONA MACKIE
GP in Glasgow, specialising in eye diseases, At a time when gender barriers were dropping but
and eventually became an ophthalmic equality was still a long way off, Rona Mackie was
surgeon. She was also a prominent member excelling in her field. In 1978 she became
of the British Medical Association and the the first Professor of Dermatology in the UK and
first woman chairman of its Glasgow division. her research into melanoma dramatically
Her penchant for cars probably also raised changed our understanding of this type of skin
a few eyebrows. She was an early motoring cancer. The world-renowned dermatologist
enthusiast and her garage and chauffeur’s demonstrated the dangers of using organ
house were situated in Ashton Lane. Aware donations from people who have had melanoma
that there was still a long way to go for and saved lives as a result.
INSPIRING
women’s equality, she became a leading Glasgow degrees: MBChB 1963, MD 1970,
figure in the suffragette movement. Change DSc 1994
did not happen overnight. It would be another
34 years after Marion graduated before PROFESSOR DAME ANNA
women were finally granted full voting rights. DOMINICZAK
Glasgow degree: MB CM 1894 Hailed as a “woman with heart”, Anna
Dominiczak, Vice-Principal and Head of the
WOMEN
MARION STEWART College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences,
(1909–1968) is one of the world’s leading cardiovascular
In 1930 Marion Stewart was the first woman scientists. She is also a driving force for precision
to be registered as a Member of the Royal medicine in Scotland and the world. These roles
College of Veterinary Surgeons in Scotland. have seen her leading on big-build projects: the
Following graduation, Marion decided to work PROFESSOR DELPHINE PARROTT (1928–2016) BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre in
with small animals and, by 1931, she had Immunologist Delphine Parrott made history when she became our first female 2006; the new teaching and learning facilities at
her own veterinary practice in Kensington. professor in 1973. Delphine was a pioneering scientist who made major contributions the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; and most
She moved to Rhodesia in 1948 where she to the emerging field of immunology, including the science of T-cell immunology which recently, the new Imaging Centre of Excellence
built a large and prosperous practice with a led to many clinical advances. As co-founder of our BSc Immunology programme – (see page 4). Appointed Regius Professor of
veterinary hospital attached. Marion attended the first course of its kind in the UK – she placed Glasgow at the forefront of Medicine in 2009, she is the first woman to hold a
Glasgow Veterinary College which became immunology research. Regius Chair at the University.
BY LYNNE MACLAGAN part of the University in 1945. Glasgow degree: MD 1990
world
10 11
PROFESSOR DAME JOCELYN
BELL BURNELL
As a PhD student in the 1960s, Jocelyn
CHANGERS
Bell Burnell ruled out her colleagues’
theory that “little green men” or man-made MURIEL ROBERTSON
interference were the causes of the signals (1883–1973)
her telescope had picked up. She had been PROFESSOR SHEILA ROWAN While on a research trip to Uganda in 1911 zoologist Muriel Robertson made key discoveries in the life
looking for twinkling quasars but instead Leading Glasgow’s role in the international cycle of trypanosomes – which cause the deadly African sleeping sickness – and their transmission
stumbled upon a signal from a pulsing star. effort to prove Einstein’s last theory, Sheila through tsetse flies. Her work underpinned future studies and breakthroughs in trypanosome research.
After analysing 3,500 miles of data, she Rowan was at the heart of one of the Thanks to continued control methods, the disease is steadily declining.
PROFESSOR MUFFY CALDER
wrote up her thesis, quietly mentioning the most exciting discoveries of the century – Glasgow degrees: MA 1905, DSc 1923, LLD 1948
Vice-Principal and Head of the College of
discovery of the new type of star. The world gravitational waves. It was therefore very fitting Science & Engineering, Muffy Calder is one of
of astrophysics exploded with excitement that our groundbreaking professor took over PROFESSOR SARAH CLEAVELAND
our many leading scientists and specialises in
and the new discovery was named radio the role of Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland Seeing the devastating impact of rabies first hand is an image that cannot be forgotten. It’s one
computer science. For three years, she was
pulsars. Controversially, she was not named after Professor Muffy Calder. 2016 continued that has driven Sarah Cleaveland’s commitment to finding ways to control the deadly disease.
Scotland’s Chief Scientific Adviser, drawing
as a co-recipient of the 1974 Nobel Prize in to be a big year for Sheila: her hard work and The pioneering work that she has carried out with the rabies research team at the University has
on over 20 years of experience in science
Physics awarded for the research. She has pioneering research were recognised when changed the way the disease is tackled; a world without rabies is now in our sights. Building
research at the University, advising ministers
since received numerous honours and is a she won a prestigious Hoyle Medal and prize on this work, she is now tackling several other neglected diseases that spread from humans to
and being a champion of science for all. In
dedicated role model for women in science. from the Institute of Physics. animals – zoonotic diseases – and is having a life-changing impact on people living in sub-
2016 she was ranked in the Daily Telegraph’s
Glasgow degrees: BSc 1965, DSc 1997 Glasgow degrees: BSc 1991, PhD 1996 Saharan Africa.
UK Top 50 Women in Engineering.
SELINA HALES
GROUNDbreakers
Sociology graduate Selina Hales has made Glasgow a city that not only welcomes refugees but
embraces them. Her award-winning charity Refuweegee gives refugees arriving in Glasgow a
community-built welcome gift including Scottish items like Tunnock’s teacakes and other donated
essentials such as toiletries. At the heart of the gift, however, is a very personal touch. Each pack
includes a letter from a local offering messages of kindness and support, which have a hugely positive
impact on refugees arriving in an unfamiliar city. Over 5,000 letters have been received so far.
Glasgow degree: MA 2005
DR KAY CARMICHAEL
(1925–2009)
Breaking into a naval base to plant flowers
in a stand against nuclear weapons resulted Maybe I’m brave. Maybe.
in a two-week prison sentence for the young
Kay Carmichael. This did not curb the ardent
But for me it’s always about
activist’s commitment to numerous causes, the bigger picture of creating
however. She worked extensively with people
in custody. She fought for gay rights and
change and making sure more
sought justice for deprived communities. people can have a better life.
Kay was an inspiring lecturer at Glasgow in JUMAI ABIOYE (pictured)
the 1960s and 70s and an influential policy
adviser. She was responsible for developing
the UK’s first training programme for
probation officers, as well as playing a huge
part in the Social Work Scotland Act 1968 and
the set-up of the children’s panels. The open
Scotland we know today has been influenced
by her unwavering dedication to social justice.
Glasgow degree: PhD 2001 JUMAI ABIOYE
Looking to the future, we have an abundance
LADY MARION FRASER (1932–2016) PROFESSOR CHRISTIAN KAY of inspiring students currently hatching new
In 1996 Marion Fraser became “a lady in my own right” when the Queen created her a Lady (1940–2016) ideas that will have an impact on the world
of the Order of the Thistle. Married to a Knight, she was accustomed to having the title Christian Kay didn’t set out to be an we live in. Jumai Abioye from Nigeria is one
Lady Fraser, but the 1996 honour was for her impressive contribution to Scottish public academic, she simply loved language. of these students. Currently studying for a
life. Roles included Chair of the Scottish Association for Mental Health, Founding Chair of A committed linguist, she worked for around PhD in biomedical engineering, her research
the Friends of the Royal Scottish Academy, Chair of the Board of Christian Aid for Great 40 years to produce the world’s first Historical could create a tool capable of cutting viruses
Britain and Ireland, and Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Thesaurus of English – which, when it was such as HIV out of the genome. She’s also
Scotland. Lady Marion also played a significant role at the University. As an undergraduate published in 2009, became the first complete building a company with a vision of improving
in the early 1950s she was active in student politics, and was elected President of the historical thesaurus of any language. the quality of education in her home continent.
Queen Margaret Union in 1953, standing on the ticket “Keep the Men’s Union Board out of Containing a staggering 800,000 words from The aim is to promote studying STEM subjects
our Hair”. In 1956, she married William Kerr Fraser, a former President of the SRC who later Old English to the present day, the resource (science, technology, engineering and
became Principal and then Chancellor. During the period Sir William served as Principal, is treasured by writers, researchers, historians mathematics) in a way that can be applied in
Marion worked with tireless energy to foster a sense of community across the campus. and linguists around the world. A combination an African context – overcoming challenges
The Principal’s Lodging was a place for lively academic, cultural and political debate of Christian’s intellectual, practical and such as reliable access to electricity or an
and she took much pleasure from getting to know many of the students. The University leadership abilities not only made the internet connection.
acknowledged her public service and services to the University by conferring the honorary thesaurus project a success, but also Glasgow degree: MSc 2014
degree of Doctor of Laws in 1995. contributed to groundbreaking developments
Glasgow degrees: MA 1954, LLD 1995 in English studies and digital humanities. Read about our world-changing students
Glasgow degree: DLitt 2013 of today at uofgworldchangers.com.
12 13
Alumni news Alumni news
NOTES FROM
No 2
NEW RECTOR
INSTALLED
Aamer Anwar (MA 1994), the prominent
human rights lawyer, became the University’s
new rector on 19 April, in a formal installation
ceremony in the Bute Hall. He won a landslide
victory over nine other candidates in the
News from Emily Howie, Head of Alumni NEW YEAR rectorial election on 21 March and will hold the
post for three years.
Engagement in the Development &
Alumni Office at No 2 The Square.
HONOURS 2017
In his address, at times emotional, to a large
Dr Paul V Knight (MBChB 1979), Honorary audience of staff, students and guests, Mr
One thing that working at Gilmorehill makes Professor, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Anwar recalled his time at the University with
me realise on a daily basis is that the impact Nursing, was appointed OBE for services to fondness and a resounding endorsement. “I
made by our alumni is evident all around us. geriatric healthcare had my mind blown away by this University! It
changed the entire course of my life. Glasgow
Funds raised by alumni like you played a huge Professor James C Neil (BSc 1974) gave me more than just an education. It's
part in the University’s move to Gilmorehill in was appointed OBE for services to the where I made friendships that have lasted a
the 1870s. And now history is repeating itself advancement of biomedical sciences lifetime; it broke down my religious, cultural
– there will be no more visible impact of the and political barriers. I learned about politics
power of your gifts than the new multi-million- Professor Anne Neville FREng FRSE not just through books, but through activism
pound campus redevelopment which was (BEng 1992) was appointed OBE for services and solidarity.”
boosted by Glasgow City Council’s approval of We are also constantly impressed by the to engineering
the masterplan in February. You can read more talents that today’s students bring to what Speaking directly to the student community,
about it in the opening pages of this issue. we do. Sarah Spence (MLitt Modernities) Professor Susan Rhind (BVMS 1990) was he said: “If there’s one message I want
has brought the student voice to the online appointed OBE for services to veterinary students to take home today, it is never be
I was lucky enough to meet many of our version of Avenue 62. She has gathered education afraid to raise your voice for the truth.”
China-based alumni earlier this year when student perspectives on Glasgow’s green
I attended our Professional Development spaces and sourced insight into the impact Mrs Alison Spurway (MA 1968) was Principal Professor Anton Muscatelli said:
Seminar in Shanghai and our Beijing Ceilidh the Maths & Statistics move is having on appointed OBE for services to Girlguiding “I would like to congratulate Aamer Anwar on
(pictured below). It was encouraging to speak student collaboration. Sarah’s internship to and charities, including the University of his election as rector, and I look forward to
to so many alumni who are willing to make work on the magazine was made possible Glasgow Settlement working closely with him over the next three
an impact by supporting the University with thanks to a bequest left to Avenue by years.”
its ambitious goals, whether in a financial graduate Isabel Ellis (MA 1949). Go to Miss Jane Davidson (MA 1982) was
capacity or by taking on one of our many glasgow.ac.uk/avenue to read Sarah’s appointed MBE for services to opera and The rector is elected by the students as
volunteering roles. By supporting student work. education spokesperson and representative for student
development, online networking or social issues, and sits on the University Court.
activities, over 1,000 of you give your time to You contribute to our ongoing successes Professor Elizabeth J Kay (MPH 1984)
the University each year – a wonderful way of and truly make an impact on University life. I was appointed MBE for services to dental
giving back. hope you all have a lovely summer, whether education
you’re spending it here in Glasgow or
I hope you will join us on social media to elsewhere, and please keep sending through Mrs Ann Glenesk (BD 2010) was appointed
celebrate Alumni Volunteer Week from 1–7 your stories and updates, to alumni@ BEM for services to prisoners and
June (#UofGAlumniVols). This is a chance glasgow.ac.uk. community relations
for us to showcase our amazing alumni
volunteering community and what the Ms Fiona Haston (PgDip 1995) was
contribution of their time and expertise helps appointed BEM for services to healthcare
us to achieve. From giving advice to students and charity
online to parading at Tartan Day in New ALUMNUS
York City as our mascot Gus, our alumni are
lending their unique talents from wherever in Photos: Our recent alumni events in China attracted
Mrs Lillias Robinson (BSc 1984) was INAUGURATED AS
the world they are. Take a look at our volunteer
large numbers – over 150 at each one – and it was appointed BEM for charitable services
in Africa
GOVERNOR OF
case studies on page 2 of Giving to Glasgow.
lovely to hear your tales of fun times in Glasgow as
well as personal career success stories. BERMUDA
Mr John Rankin CMG (LLB 1979) was sworn
FORBES 30 UNDER in as Governor of Bermuda on 5 December
at a ceremony which took place in King’s
30 SUCCESS Square, St George’s.
David Timis (MA 2014) has been named in Mr Rankin joined the Foreign &
the prestigious Forbes magazine 30 under Commonwealth Office in 1988 as a legal
30 list, in his home country of Romania. After adviser, working in both Britain and Geneva
completing his degree in Business Management and assisting with the Northern Ireland peace
at Glasgow, he went on to study European process. He later served as Consul-General in
Management at the École de Management Boston and head of the Americas Directorate,
Strasbourg, and currently works for Google. As a the British Ambassador to Nepal and most
student, he was one of the organisers of the first recently as the British High Commissioner to
TEDx event at the University. Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
14 15
Alumni events Alumni events
A
lumni around the world get together Glasgow: MBA 40th anniversary
to celebrate their connection with the
launch event
University. Representatives from the
University attend these social events to meet Tuesday 4 April 2017
with and grow our esteemed network of The Adam Smith Business School held an
graduate, current and future students. To find event to mark the 40th anniversary of the
out about future events, see glasgow.ac.uk/ establishment of the MBA degree at Glasgow.
alumni/events. Graduates attended a drinks reception to
meet friends old and new, and a gala dinner
will follow on Friday 1 September.
New York City: An Evening with Delhi: Alumni reception and lecture
Glasgow at the Flatiron Room Friday 4 November 2016
Wednesday 8 March 2017 Principal Professor Anton Muscatelli was
Vice-Principal Professor Frank Coton hosted invited by the British Council to deliver a
80 guests including alumni, prospective lecture to alumni and supporters of the
students, friends and family at the stylish University, entitled Inequalities: causes
Flatiron Room. Representatives from the and cures. This was followed by a drinks
Development & Alumni Office and the Careers reception, where guests were joined by
Aberdeen: Alumni dinner Service talked to those attending about academic and support staff who made up the
getting involved in Glasgow activities. Guests biggest delegation ever to visit India.
Friday 4 November 2016 London: Burns Supper also had the chance to sample light bites,
The GU Club of Aberdeen enjoyed a well-
Friday 13 January 2017 whiskies and signature cocktails, including the Glasgow: A fireside chat with Tim Cook
attended annual dinner, with speeches from
This was another sell-out event to see “Gilmorehill”!
Emily Howie, Head of Alumni Engagement, Wednesday 8 February 2017
the Rev Ewen Gilchrist of Cults Parish Church alumnus Clark McGinn in action as he Apple CEO Tim Cook received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University on
and Professor John Briggs, who brought us addressed the haggis, toasted the Immortal 8 February, after which he spoke to over 1,000 staff and students in the Bute Hall at a sell-
up to date on the exciting campus expansion. Memory and led a group reading of “Tam out event. He later tweeted: “Humbled and honoured to become part of the #UofGlasgow
Club President Douglas Cusine presented O’Shanter”. More than 135 alumni and guests community. Thank you to the faculty and students of this great university!”
Professor Briggs with a £600 cheque for the attended this fun evening, and thanks must
campus development fund. go to all involved.
Mumbai: Alumni reception
Monday 7 November 2016
Houston: Brewery Tour and Members of our India delegation joined alumni
Happy Hour for a reception at the Royal Bombay Yacht
Club, where Rachel Sandison, Director of the
Sunday 13 November 2016 Marketing, Recruitment & International Office,
The oldest craft brewery in Texas, Saint Arnold updated guests on campus developments.
Brewing Company, hosted 18 guests at this
fun and informal event. Following a tour of the Austin: Alumni social Singapore: Alumni association lecture
Glasgow: “You made it happen” event London: Glasgow University Women’s site, they had the chance to try some Saint
Arnold specialities, including the deliciously Wednesday 1 February 2017 Wednesday 25 January 2017
Thursday 20 October 2016 Club 90th anniversary Spring Lunch Gordon MacGregor (BSc 1984) organised Professor Miles Padgett, Kelvin Chair of
sweet old-fashioned root beer. International
A special event was held in the University’s Saturday 25 March 2017 Development Officer Emma Sloan delivered a the first monthly happy hour event for alumni Natural Philosophy and Vice-Principal of
Senate Room to pay tribute to our regular GUWC members gathered for lunch at St short presentation with all the latest news in the Austin area. It will take place on the Research, delivered a lecture entitled How
donors and alumni volunteers. There was Columba’s Church in London to celebrate from Glasgow. first Thursday of every month from 5–7pm at many pixels does your camera have? Ours
an opportunity to hear from some of our 90 years in existence. The club aims to Draught House Pub & Brewery, 4115 Medical only have one! Professor Padgett was joined
talented students who have benefited from encourage friendship and networking Pkwy, Austin, TX 78756. All local and visiting by members of the local alumni association.
alumni support, and Vice-Principal Professor among women graduates in London and the alumni welcome to join. Email gordon@
Frank Coton and Colin Stewart, MD, Citigroup south-east. For more information, contact macgregors.net for more information.
Kolkata: Alumni reception
(MA 1982) spoke about the importance of membership@gu-london.org.uk.
supporting the next generation with time and Wednesday 9 November 2016
finances. Our Auld Boys of Kolkata alumni association
helped to organise this event, which allowed
members of the University delegation
visiting India to chat with alumni and guests.
Rachel Sandison, Director of the Marketing,
Recruitment & International Office, gave an
Washington DC: Burns Supper interesting update on all the current events
Saturday 18 February 2017 Jakarta: University of Glasgow and happenings at Gilmorehill.
This year’s event was attended by 77 guests office launch
including alumni, prospective students and Mexico City: Alumni dinner
friends. Representatives from the Smithsonian
Monday 16 January 2017 Connect with former
Greece: Alumni association launch Tuesday 21 February 2017 A special alumni reception event was held
Glasgow: Alumni Christmas dinner
joined in the celebrations, including Jane
Thirteen alumni enjoyed a relaxing evening in the Menara Batavia building to mark the
classmates, find out about
Thursday 4 May 2017 Milosch, Director of the Provenance Research
Saturday 3 December 2016 The University of Glasgow Alumni Association Initiative, who talked about the links between
with Jo Power from the Marketing, Recruitment launch of the University’s Jakarta office. alumni events happening
& International Office and Professor Rosa Guests had the chance to look around
Alumni, staff and friends attended the annual of Greece held its official launch event on our two institutions. A special thank you
Greaves, International Dean for Latin America, the new premises, hear about the latest
in your area or read about
Christmas dinner, which began with mulled 4 May at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens. to alumnus Clark McGinn for his rousing
wine in The Hunterian before a festive dinner New members are sought for this association rendition of Burns, and Paul Ross and
at Los Girasoles restaurant. They were developments at the University and network how to organise your own
updated on the exciting campus development with fellow alumni. The University has
in the Bute Hall. After dinner, the Young – if you are interested in joining and receiving Edrington for supplying the whisky miniatures.
and ways to stay in touch and involved with welcomed over 80 students from Indonesia
reunion at glasgow.ac.uk/
Alumnus of the Year award was presented to invitations to future events, please contact Like facebook.com/UoGDC to be kept
Matt Fountain, founder of the Freedom Bakery. Alex Athanalssoulas, alex.a@stirixis.com. up to date.
the University. this year – one of the largest intakes in the UK. alumni.
16 17
Alumni events Reunion notices Reunion reports REUNION
PHOTOGRAPHY
1958 Beta 1987 Beta Club HOW TO SHOW
Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 September
2018; Glasgow
Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September
2017; Grosvenor Hilton, Glasgow
OFF YOUR BEST
We will be holding our 60th reunion in autumn
2018. Contact: Stuart Parker, stuartparker1@
We will celebrate our 30-year reunion with a
Saturday night event at Oran Mor. Contact:
SIDE
me.com. Mary Stevenson, mdrakelee@aol.com; Alison
Wilding, a.wilding@nhs.net or Matthew Are you organising or attending a
1967 Notre Dame Checketts, matthewchecketts@nhs.net. YEAR
YEAR
reunion or alumni event? We love
hearing the stories of your reunions
Friday 1 September 2017; University of
Shanghai: Alumni business seminar 1991 Biochemistry 1966 Law 1996 BDS and sharing them with Avenue
Glasgow
Tuesday 28 February 2017 The 1967 graduates of Notre Dame Teacher Summer 2017 A Golden Anniversary reunion of law students Our 20-year reunion at 1A The Square was readers. For images with impact that
Over 175 alumni attended the fourth Training College are planning a reunion to The class of 1991 are planning a summer who went up to 63 Hillhead St in 1966 was a huge success, if concentrated nostalgic will bring your stories to life, consider
Adam Smith Business School Professional celebrate 50 years since graduating. Contact: reunion. If you would like to attend, contact held in the Senate Room at the University on fun is the aim of such a gathering. Dental
some of these simple tips.
Development Seminar. Special thanks go Mary Harmon, mary.harmon@cogeco.ca. Ronald Gillies, rgi@gapps.uwcsea.edu.sg. 4 November. We enjoyed an excellent dinner school was a huge chunk of our lives, and
to See Leong Fang (President & CEO-Asia, with welcome remarks from Allan Nicolson, meeting up after 20 years was like stepping
Executive Vice-President, Global Operations, 1967 Chemistry 1992 Molecular Biology & Genetics then president of the University’s Law Society back in time. It was great to catch up with
1
Ryerson) and Zi Ye (Associate Manager, (complete with Law Society tie!). There were real-life stories and rekindle old friendships. We require images to be submitted at
Nelson), who shared their career path and September 2017; Glasgow 2017 also many reminiscences of Professors Walker, a resolution of 300dpi to be suitable
advice on leadership development with those We are celebrating 50 years since graduating The class of 1992 will celebrate our 25th Bennett Miller, Anton, Watson and others. We Thankfully our whole year is accounted for print. You can check this on your
in attendance. and hope you will be able to join us in anniversary in 2017 with a reunion. If hope to beat actuarial predictions and have for but not everyone could make it to the camera, and most smartphones are
September. A visit to the Chemistry building you would be interested in joining your a larger turnout for the diamond reunion in reunion. They were there in spirit, up on also equipped to take pictures at this
is planned so it would be great to have classmates, contact Alasdair Robertson, 10 years’ time. If you would like to be included, the screen in photographs and featuring resolution – if in doubt, most phones
you there! Contact: Ian Dale, ian_dale@ alasdair.robertson@nhs.net. please contact pms@mshblegal.com. in stories at every table. Some of us have have a “high-quality” setting.
ntlworld.com. scattered across the country or globe and
2
1997 Pharmacology have our own families and lives, but we’ll Be aware of what is in the background
1968 Beta never forget our dental school people. of your picture. Is there a plant or a
Join the Pharmacology class of 1997 to
lampshade growing out of someone’s
Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 May 2018; celebrate 20 years since graduating. If you
head? Make a few adjustments with
St Andrews would like to come along, contact Paul
positioning and your picture will be
Please join us for the 50th reunion of the 1968 Downie, pauldownie@doctors.org.uk or
cleaner and have more impact.
Beta Club! Contact: Stuart Holms, stuart_ Martin Bonaccorsi, mbonaccorsi@
3
holms@hotmail.com. hotmail.com.
Beijing: Alumni ceilidh For large groups, try and arrange the
subjects so that light will fall evenly on
Friday 3 March 2017 1969 Engineering Annual vet reunion weekend them, and think about using stairs or
The first ever Beijing alumni ceilidh attracted
2019 Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October 2017 1981 Alpha chairs to give a variety of heights and
over 185 alumni and friends to the dancefloor
Would you be interested in taking part The weekend gets under way with the Weipers avoid one long line of people standing
of the Beijing Hilton, with the Scottish music Around 30 of us attended our 35th reunion
in a reunion to celebrate 50 years since Lecture on the Friday, followed by a drinks in a row.
bringing back fond memories of their alma from 26–28 October 2016. We enjoyed a
Annual vet alumni reunion weekend
4
mater in Glasgow. Some of the first cohort graduating? If so, please contact David Kerr, reception. On Saturday, we will welcome our
night of ’70s music at Woodend tennis club Consider using a selfie stick or a
of students from the University of Glasgow– kerrdj@me.com. graduates back to Glasgow, and in particular
on Friday, followed by a golf tournament at On Friday 28 October we welcomed a tripod as this will give you support and
Nankai University Joint Graduate School also those from year groups ending 2 and 7, for
Hilton Park golf club on Saturday. More than packed house to our McCall lecture to hear reduce camera shake.
joined the dancing. 1971 Geography our annual Vet Reunion Dinner and Ceilidh.
20 golfers braved the elements while the Jim Wight (BVMS 1966) talk about his father
5
The evening is a great chance to catch
2017 rest enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea, Alf Wight, aka James Herriot, as part of Ensure that your subjects are aware
up with classmates, meet fellow Glasgow
Would you be interested in taking part in a before we donned gladrags for the dinner and the celebrations marking 100 years since that their picture may be used in
graduates, and dance the night away in the
reunion to celebrate 50 years since starting ceilidh, which was attended by 130 people in his birth. On the Saturday the Vet School Avenue and give them the opportunity
magnificent setting of the Bute Hall. Contact:
our studies? If so, please contact Dougie the glorious surroundings of the Grand Central welcomed over 200 graduates and friends to opt out of being photographed.
sarah.hunter@glasgow.ac.uk or +44 (0)141
Lamont, dwlamont65@btinternet.com. Hotel ballroom. Finally, a few hardy souls who graduated in years ending 1 and 6 to
6
330 7145.
rounded off the weekend by tramping around the celebration dinner and ceilidh in the If possible, send your pictures as jpg
the Whangie on Sunday morning. There will Bute Hall, marking significant anniversaries attachments rather than embedding
1977 Alpha Glasgow University Sports Association be a rerun in 2021! Contact: helenmactier@ of graduation. For information about the them in the body of an email, which
1881 dinner hotmail.com. 2017 event contact sarah.hunter@glasgow. can reduce their quality.
Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October 2017;
ac.uk, +44 (0)141 330 7145.
Dunblane Hydro Saturday 4 November 2017;
We will be holding our 40th reunion Glasgow University Union If you have any questions or would like
Tokyo: Alumni association lunch
celebration in October. Contact: Brenda The annual event for past and present GUAC/ to find out more about how to make
CONNECT
Saturday 22 October 2016 Duthie, brenda.duthie@ntlworld.com. GUSA council members to celebrate the KEEP IN TOUCH the most of your reunion, contact
Around 30 Tokyo alumni gathered at the success and development of sport at the All addresses are University of Glasgow,
alumni@glasgow.ac.uk.
Shinjuku Mitsi Club for a lovely reunion lunch. University takes place in November. There will Glasgow G12 8QQ.
WITH US
1977 BDS
Members received an update about the be daytime activities, drinks reception and
University’s campus redevelopment plans by Sunday 22 and Monday 23 October 2017; Alumni news
dinner in the GUU. For further details, contact Development & Alumni Office, 2 The Square
Professor Jane Duckett, Edward Caird Chair Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon gusa-alumni@glasgow.ac.uk. T: +44 (0)141 330 4951
of Politics & International Dean for East Asia. We will be celebrating our 40-year reunion E: alumni@glasgow.ac.uk
in October. For more information, contact
Audrey McClymont, audreymcclymont77@ Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities' Changes of address and obituaries
Development & Alumni Office, 2 The Square
gmail.com. Officers Training Corps (GSUOTC) T: +44 (0)141 330 7146
E: alumni@glasgow.ac.uk
We would like to reach out to our alumni and
develop our alumni network. If you were a Twitter: @GlasgowAlumni Letters to the Editor
member of GSUOTC please get in touch to Marketing, Recruitment & International Office,
Facebook: facebook.com/Official 1 The Square
hear the latest news and detail on alumni UniversityofGlasgowAlumni T: +44 (0)141 330 7438
events. Contact: rmas-gp-otcglasgow- LinkedIn: glasgow.ac.uk/alumni/linkedin E: avenue@glasgow.ac.uk
mailbox@mod.uk.18 19
The General Council CONVENOR’S COMMENTS
The General Council of the University was set up by Act of Parliament to give voice to the From John Marsh, Convenor of the General
Council Business Committee
views of the graduates and academic staff on the regulation and wellbeing of the University.
At the half-yearly meeting of the General Council
last January, eight new members were elected
A report prepared for the General Council had completed their second term of office. Principal’s Report, by Principal Diseases; One Health; Addressing to the General Council Business Committee
by Amber Higgins, Clerk to the General The Convenor expressed his appreciation for & Vice-Chancellor Professor Anton Inequalities; Cultural & Creative (GCBC). Once again, we had a large number
Council, clerkgc@glasgow.ac.uk. the contribution that they had all made during Muscatelli Economies; Nano & Quantum Technology; of candidates, and it is encouraging that so
their time on the GCBC and said that it had The Principal thanked all those present for and Future Life. many graduates and academic staff with
The last General Council meeting was held on been valued and appreciated not only by their attendance at the meeting and updated much to offer the University showed their interest in taking part. I am sure they will make a
Monday 23 January 2017 in the city’s Kelvin the GCBC, but also by the University. It was the meeting on the University’s progression The Chancellor thanked the Principal for valuable contribution to our role of overseeing the interests of the University.
Hall. The Chancellor, Professor Sir Kenneth noted that the GCBC had been discussing against the KPIs. It was noted that work was his report and welcomed the positive news
Calman, was in the chair. This article contains the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) still to be done on improving National Student delivered, which showed that the University Our members come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, which gives
an abbreviated description of the business Act 2016 which had since been introduced, Survey satisfaction and on assessment and continued to grow and move forward, us the external perspective to support the University as interested, informed outsiders. You can
of the meeting. A full minute can be found having effect from December 2016. feedback. before inviting comments. see a list of current members and their backgrounds at glasgow.ac.uk/about/generalcouncil/
at glasgow.ac.uk/about/generalcouncil/ gcbc/gcbcmembers.
gcmeetings/gcminutes. The Convenor reported that there had been It was noted that the University had delivered Q&A: General Council members
three meetings of the GCBC since the last a strong operational cash flow performance commented on the positive report by Our most important function is exercised at our regular meetings, where we are able to exchange
Election of General Council Business half-yearly meeting and that Peter Aitchison, during 2015 (£34.2m) and 2016 (£35.2m), with the Principal and were delighted that the views with the Principal, Clerk of Senate and Secretary of Court, with whom we are fortunate in
Committee Members Director of Communications & Public Affairs, a further £30.2m expected during 2017. University continued to go from strength having a good relationship.
Following the nominations and election had recently given an informative presentation to strength under the guidance of the
process the Chancellor announced that the to them. The Convenor also reported that the The Principal reported to the General Council Principal. A General Council member Three of our members, Iain McTaggart, Iain Brown and Hilary Roberts, explain below why they
following members of the General Council had General Affairs subcommittee continued to that Brexit continued to be a key focus of asked about the financing of the campus were motivated to join the Business Committee.
been elected to serve on the General Council support him in identifying matters of interest or the senior management group and that redevelopment and how the University
Business Committee (GCBC) for four years concern to the GCBC. challenges lay ahead, but emphasised just would manage this.
until January 2021: how much this University values the vital and
Alan Crawford Daly MA(Hons) 2012 The meeting was also informed about the essential contribution of European Union staff The Chancellor drew this section to a
Emeritus Professor Peter Holmes BVMS changes to the University of Glasgow Trust. and students to its community. close and thanked the Principal for his
1966 It was noted that James Pirrie, Chairman of presentation. It’s a privilege to join the GCBC, which I hope will be a chance to contribute
Emily Howie MA(Hons) 1999 the Trust, had explained to the GCBC that The General Council was informed that the to supporting the aims of the University. I look back to my undergraduate
Iain Fleming McTaggart MA(Hons) 1981 the Trust would be restructured due to a Campus Development Plan was due to go Closure of the Meeting years as a formative stage in life, and as a student of languages I always
Steven Robert Quither LLB 1982 change in the assets held by it. It was agreed forward for full council meeting on 16 February The Chancellor thanked all those had an international outlook. The rapid globalisation of the last 30 years
Hilary Roberts MA(Hons) 1986 to restructure the Trust by reducing their following approval by the planning committee present and informed the meeting underlines the role of universities as vital gateways to knowledge and
Alison Warren Scott MA(Hons) 1982 number and reducing the number of Business of the masterplan. that the next meeting would take collaboration, and our capacity to forge a relevant and creative role in the
Dr John McEwen Trushell MBA 1980 Committee Trustees from two to one. The Trust place on Monday 12 June 2017 world. The current challenges are immense, as are the opportunities, and I
will continue under a simplified structure in The Principal noted that the University in the Wolfson Medical School hope, with colleagues, to represent the interests of graduates and academic
Report of the Business Committee order to accept any existing regular gifts or would be exploring the idea of a Research Building at 6.30pm. staff in ensuring Glasgow continues to play a world-leading role for our
Convenor, Mr John Marsh legacies directed to it. The General Council Hub. Part of the thinking behind this was future students, both Scottish and international.
Business Committee Matters: Convenor raised no concerns about the change in to bring together key research activities A presentation by Professor IAIN McTAGGART
John Marsh thanked the Chancellor for his membership of the Trust. and researchers into a shared space to David Gaimster, Director of The
introduction and welcomed everyone to the engender crossdisciplinary, creative and Hunterian. Professor Gaimster
meeting. The Chancellor thanked the Convenor for his innovative work. In addition, we have been took the members present for
report and thanked all the GCBC members working to articulate our research strengths a tour of the new University Their time at university should hopefully be looked back on fondly by
The Convenor reported that Helen McAvoy, for their hard work on behalf of the General as an institution over the last year and have facilities at Kelvin Hall. graduates. This was the case for me and I have always retained an interest
Ruth Sharp, Ann Lowe and Kate Dunlop had Council. It was noted that no questions identified these broad areas of research in the wellbeing of Glasgow and its students. I joined the GCBC to give
recently resigned from the GCBC and that were raised and John was thanked for his excellence: Precision Medicine & Chronic what assistance I could to helping the University and the next generation of
Arthur Allison, Bobby Logan and Eve Johnston presentation. students thrive, whether through volunteering my time to the GCBC or my
experience to initiatives like The Network. This is an exciting time
for the University as it goes through the next stage in its campus
development and the perfect time for alumni to get in touch and see how
they can contribute.
IAIN BROWN
Next I believe the GCBC is a key pillar of the University’s governance and is
Meeting of there to give a voice to our graduates. I am excited to be part of this group
and be able to help support the successful development of the University’s
The General Council growth strategy and ongoing successful development. As a graduate, I am
very proud to be associated with the University and I thought it appropriate
The next meeting takes place on to try and use the experience gained through my career in business to give
Monday 12 June 2017 in the something back to this great organisation.
Wolfson Medical School Building, HILARY ROBERTS
at 6.30pm.
glasgow.ac.uk/generalcouncilYou can also read
